Hamptons and NYC Restaurants Shine at Dan’s Taste of Summer

The Celebrity Judge Panel
  • AyrKing Mixstir
  • RATIONAL USA
  • T&S Brass Eversteel Pre-Rinse Units
  • McKee Foodservice
  • Day & Nite
  • Simplot Frozen Avocado
  • Inline Plastics Safe-T-Chef
  • RAK Porcelain
  • Atosa USA
  • BelGioioso Burrata
  • Red Gold Sacramento
  • Imperial Dade
  • DAVO Sales Tax
  • Texas Pete
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This past weekend Fairview Farm at Mecox in Bridgehampton, New York held two of the marquee events of the summer. They are two events in a four-part summer series hosted by Dan’s Papers, a staple in the Hamptons for over fifty years. The series is called Dan’s Taste of Summer and is composed of culinary competitions, food and wine tastings and much more. For more information on the events check out our interview with Dan’s Papers CEO Eric Feil.

Grillhampton Pits NYC versus The Hamptons

Friday night was Grillhampton co-hosted by Travel Channel Host Adam Richman. The event drew over 1500 guests and pitted eight of the best chefs in New York City against eight of the best in the Hamptons. Guests could taste signatures from all competitors throughout the night and cast their vote. A celebrity panel of judges including David Burke, Pat Lafrieda and Josh Capon also cast their votes. “What’s better than this? My whole life is about food so to be out here grilling, dancing and having a good time at a beautiful venue is the best” said Capon when asked why he wanted to judge Grillhampton.

The most popular station of the night was run by Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer and Chef/Owner Joe Isidori. The popular shop serving burgers and outlandish milkshakes with locations in Soho and the meatpacking district dished out Kobe Beef burgers that had guests waiting in lines throughout the night. Also immensely popular was Arthur Wolf’s offerings from his restaurant, Smoking’ Wolf BBQ and more! Arthur served up top-notch spare ribs, part of a winning formula for Team Hamptons who beat out Team NYC. All sixteen competitors had great showings in front of a massive crowd of foodies. The crowd was buzzing from great food but also at the sight of former New York Giant Michael Strahan.

The event was bolstered by sponsor Farrell Building Company as well as Pat Lafrieda Meat Purveyors. Also sponsoring the event were Porsche of Southampton and Hampton Watercraft and Marine, both of whom had displays where guests could sit in a Porsche and a Boston Whaler.

The VIP tent at Dan's Taste of Two Forks
The VIP tent at Dan’s Taste of Two Forks

Taste of Two Forks Showcases the Best of the Best

On Saturday night was Dan’s Taste of Two Forks, the signature event that showcases thirty of the best food and wine restaurants and producers in the Hamptons. The event sold out well in advance as guests had clearly been looking forward to the event all summer. This was co-hosted by Food Network personality, Iron Chef and author (as well as our January cover story) Alex Guarnaschelli and Katie Lee of Food Network’s The Kitchen and Beach Bites with Katie. “I’ve been involved in this event for a few years. I’ve attended as a guest and I am loving hosting it! What is better than local wine and local ingredients on a family farm by the water?”. Guarnaschelli said she loves to stay connected to the chef community in the Hamptons. One of her favorites was the burger from Shake Shack which was a crowd favorite as well. Other favorites from the night included Pete Ambroses’ Endless Summer Catering as well as Service Station Kitchen & Drink in Easthampton. Both drew long lines for their delicious offerings.

  • Texas Pete
  • Atosa USA
  • Imperial Dade
  • RATIONAL USA
  • RAK Porcelain
  • Day & Nite
  • Simplot Frozen Avocado
  • Red Gold Sacramento
  • T&S Brass Eversteel Pre-Rinse Units
  • DAVO Sales Tax
  • BelGioioso Burrata
  • AyrKing Mixstir
  • McKee Foodservice
  • Inline Plastics Safe-T-Chef
Alex Guarnaschelli signing copies of her new book
Alex Guarnaschelli signing copies of her book

Live music and dancing accompanied both events where all guests in attendance seemed thrilled with the event and its offerings. Many stayed until the very end of the event and attendance numbers were quite strong overall.

Check out a video recap of the Grillhampton event here.

  • Inline Plastics Safe-T-Chef
  • Day & Nite
  • Texas Pete
  • AyrKing Mixstir
  • Imperial Dade
  • Simplot Frozen Avocado
  • DAVO Sales Tax
  • McKee Foodservice
  • RAK Porcelain
  • Red Gold Sacramento
  • RATIONAL USA
  • BelGioioso Burrata
  • Atosa USA
  • T&S Brass Eversteel Pre-Rinse Units